PORT OF ORCAS
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 14, 2008
Approval of minutes
Hopkins moved, Thurman seconded approval of the corrected minutes of January 24, 2008, and the motion was unanimously carried.
Public access time
Jeff Hanson was present to update the commissioners regarding the off-leash area in the Larson field, an area staked to 150’x250’. The group will be conducting fundraising to cover expected expenses, although labor for fence construction will be at no cost. The commissioners agreed that the port should be recognized as temporary provider of the site. Liability insurance will be procured, relieving the port of any indemnity. The site is planned to be operational in early July.
Unfinished Business
1. Looking Down the Runway
a. Airport Development: Continuing Discussion
No communications had been received from Enderleins.
2. Master Plan Update
A conversation with Charlie Riordan revealed that the ALP drawings should be redrawn by the next meeting, and a conversation with Mary Vargas will follow for final sign-off of the master plan portion of the project.
Regarding the GPS approach, Riordan will draft a letter to applicable legislators, outlining the lack of progress since the last letter. This letter will be held for mailing after the ALP has been accepted by the FAA.
3. ASI Lease: Status
Commissioner Hopkins relayed his conversation with Port Counsel Hancock, in which Hancock reiterated the steps taken so far, and in which no progress had been made, and no communication with ASI had occurred. Before the next regular meeting, the commissioners need to determine a lease rate for ASI. Hancock will then draft a letter with the lease rate noted, and a notice that the lease will be terminated if the rate is not acceptable.
Eimers moved, Hopkins seconded setting the lease rate for hangar #24 at $1,300/month, and requesting Port Counsel Hancock to proceed with the letter as described above. The motion was unanimously carried.
4. Helipad Renovation: Status
A revised bid had been received, but the total amount was still over the original grant amount plus the port’s contribution. Hopkins moved, McCoy seconded proceeding with phase one, and applying for a WSDOT grant amendment to finish the project. The motion was unanimously carried.
5. Dog Run Area: Update
This item was discussed during public access time.
6. 50th Anniversary Plans: Update
Discussion centered around the types of activities which might be included, costs, and participants. Audrey Wells was present to volunteer her services in organizing some of the activities, with help from Bret Thurman and the airport manager.
Suggestions brainstormed included a BBQ for former commissioners, commercial operators, island pilots, etc.; one or more articles in the Islands’ Sounder; display(s) at the library, museum, terminal; a booth at the library fair; commissioners speaking to island groups; seeking out photos of the airport through time; collecting oral histories from islanders involved; school tours of the airport. Eimers volunteered to help determine possible costs for these items, as the budget has no specific line item for this sort of expense.
New Business
1. Orcas Landing Sale
Commissioner Thurman inquired whether the port could participate in raising funds for the purchase of this site in conjunction with other entities.
2. Parnell Fence
An e-mail in response to the port’s letter noted that the north fence had not been repaired. The airport manager will arrange for this to occur, and bill Marlo, Inc. The solution for the south fence needs to be compatible with full privacy panels. The airport manager will investigate solutions.
Airport Manager’s Report
Communications were received from WPPA, Mary Vargas and the NW Aviation Conference and Trade Show.
The airport manager reported on:
1. Around the Port
a. Fire Extinguisher Inspection; Fire Marshall Inspection
b. Hangar #15 Break-In
c. AWOS offline
d. Trees trimmed
2. Helipad Update
3. ALP Update
4. 50th Anniversary/25th Fly-In
5. Girl Scouts Visit/Badge Work
6. Budget Histories and Treasurer’s Report
7. Books and Videos Available
8. Out of Office
All items were informational in nature; some had already been discussed during the meeting.
Approval of Payroll/Vouchers
McCoy moved, Hopkins seconded payment of January 2008 general fund vouchers in the amount of $1,816.33 and the motion was unanimously carried.
Next Meeting and Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Commission was scheduled for 7:00P.M., February 28, 2008 in the Port conference room.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15P.M.
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Garth Eimers, Commissioner and Chairman
Prepared by
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Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager